Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection chip using light, which is able to provide an irradiation of light at a high precision. The present invention further provides an inspection chip capable of carrying out the inspection of a sample in a simple manner by using a plurality of lights. The inspection chip of the present invention comprises a light amplifier element and a sample holding section for holding a sample, in which the light amplifier element is oriented so as to face to the sample holding section, so that the light emitted from the light amplifier element can irradiate the sample held in the sample holding section.

Abstract: A method for validating or calibrating a chemical detector at a point of use. The method includes presenting a device to the chemical detector, the device comprising a frangible container defining a predetermined volume and a chemical material sealed within the frangible container in a predetermined amount, and breaking the frangible container to release the chemical material for detection by the chemical detector. A device and method of making the device for validating or calibrating a chemical at a point of use are also provided.

Abstract: The present subject matter is direct to methodologies for calibrating data obtained from an optical analysis system. An initial calibration matrix of sampled analyte concentrations is modified using mean-centering techniques and selection of low and high analyte concentration spectra to produce a two-point calibration. A modified calibration matrix is produced by generating a non-linear calibration matrix by multiplying the initial calibration matrix by the two-point calibration. In an alternate embodiment, an initial multivariate optical element design is modified by iteratively adjusting the design based on standard error of calibration determination based on non-linerly fitted functions.

Abstract: An assembly includes a debris monitor mount, a motor, and a particle belt. The particle belt carries one or more metallic particles. The particle belt is driven by the motor. The particle belt extends proximate the debris monitor mount when driven by the motor.

Abstract: The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection.

Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: A predetermined test sample is used to test a measuring instrument (10) for gravimetric moisture determination. The measuring instrument has a test chamber (30), a weighing device (40) for determining the mass of a sample contained in a sample holder (60) in a measuring position in the test chamber, and at least one means for heating (31) the sample on the sample holder. The test sample is placed on the sample holder and its initial mass is determined. The test chamber is heated, using a predefined temperature profile. After heating, the subsequent mass of the test sample is determined, using the weighing device. By comparing this subsequent mass to a reference mass for the test sample, a signal corresponding to the result of the comparison is generated and transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods of making and using same concern a container having an internal space and a passivated internal metal surface. The container contains a composition of an acid gas and a balance gas contained within the internal space and in contact with the passivated internal metal surface. The stability of the acid gas concentration over time is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detector for a chromatograph capable of obtaining the accurate retention time, even if there is a frequency deviation of the clock signal for determining the timing of data sampling, by conforming the progress of the detector internal time accompanied with the repetition of the sampling to that of real time. In the detector, consecutive data sampling intervals are defined to be a time adjustment period, and in one time adjustment period, each of the sampling intervals whose number is given as the interpolation value M is elongated by a predetermined number of clock counts compared to each of the other sampling intervals. If the clock signal has a positive frequency deviation, the apparatus internal time determined by the clock signal progresses faster than real time.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: The present invention describes a replaceable breath alcohol sensor module that can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module or re-calibrated. The breath alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of a Breath Alcohol Testing Device (commonly called “breathalyser” or “breathalyzer”). The breath alcohol sensor module can be separately calibrated for accurate calculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC) based on breath air samples and then re-installed into the breath alcohol tester or the old breath alcohol sensor module can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module. The present invention improves upon and/or replacing the current method of re-calibration at a breathalyzer service center.

Abstract: An analyzer includes plural stirrers that have plural sound-wave generating units, which are provided on respective vessels holding liquid and generate sound wave toward the liquid, and drive units, which drive the plurality of sound-wave generating units, and that stir the liquid using sound wave generated by the sound-wave generating units; a power detecting unit that detects traveling-wave power output from the drive unit and reflected-wave power reflected from the sound-wave generating unit; and a control unit that determines whether an abnormality occurs in each of the stirrers on the sound-wave generating unit side or on the drive unit side in each of the stirrers based on a reflectivity of the power, and controls continuation or suspension of an analytical work based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes a first measurement unit for measuring a sample, a second measurement unit for measuring a sample, and an information processing unit for acquiring a first analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the first measurement unit and a second analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the second measurement unit. The information processing unit is configured to correct the first analysis result based on a first correction value, correct the second analysis result based on a second correction value, update the first correction value, and update the second correction value. A calibration method of a sample analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.

Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Two detectors of the same kind, each having an identical neutral band-pass filter to the target gas, are installed next to Signal channel and Reference channel detectors as pairs in an AB designed NDIR gas sensor layout, which are called Standard Signal channel detector and Standard Reference channel detector. “Standard” GAMMA is the ratio of Standard signal channel detector output over that of Standard Reference channel detector. “Standard” GAMMA is independent of the measurement Physics of NDIR gas sensors, is dependent only upon the performance characteristics of the sensor component and is also independent of the presence of any amount of target gas in the sample chamber. Consequently, “Standard” GAMMA can be used to proportionally correct and update GAMMA of the sensor as its components age over time thereby rendering such an AB designed NDIR gas sensor self-commissioning or staying accurate over time after initial calibration.

Abstract: An Aromas kit uses containers of certain discrete molecules to provide odors suitable for an olfactory education of wine properties. The disclosed molecules may be found within certain wines and provide a useful olfactory reference when smelling a finished wine sample, even when the wine sample contains a myriad of other conflicting or competing molecule smells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating an analyte-measurement device that is used to evaluate a concentration of analyte in bodily fluid at or from a measurement site in a body. The method involves measuring a concentration, or calibration concentration, of an analyte in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site, and calibrating the analyte-measurement device based on that calibration concentration. The invention also relates to a device, system, or kit for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a body, which employs a calibration device for adjusting analyte concentration measured in bodily fluid based on an analyte concentration measured in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site.

Abstract: A test-sensor cartridge is disclosed. The test-sensor cartridge comprises a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The test-sensor cartridge further comprises a plurality of walls forming at least one cavity therein, the at least one cavity being adapted to contain the plurality of test sensors. The test-sensor cartridge further comprises at least one opening formed on a surface of the cartridge. The at least one opening is adapted to receive each of at least one projection of a first sensor-dispensing instrument with which the cartridge is compatible. The at least one opening is adapted to receive at least one but less than all of at least one projection of a second sensor-dispensing instrument with which the cartridge is incompatible.

Abstract: Fluorescently labeled microsphere calibration and quality control particles for use in establishing standardized fluorescence detector setup, monitoring daily QC of flow cytometers and quantitative calibration of the fluorescence detectors in traceable units of measure (molecules equivalent soluble fluorescence; MESF).

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for determining a metric and/or indicator of a reliability of a blood glucose sensor in providing glucose measurements. In one aspect, the metric and/or indicator may be computed based, at least in part, on an observed trend associated with signals generated by the blood glucose sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal reliability analysis.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography device (200) being controllable for executing a chromatographic method (402) defined by a set of target parameters and by a corresponding target sequence of operation procedures, the device comprising a method execution unit (202) configured for executing the chromatographic method (402) by applying the set of target parameters and by running the corresponding target sequence of operation procedures within the liquid chromatography device (200), a determining unit (204) configured for determining a deviation of an actual result of the chromatographic method (402) from an expected target result, wherein the expected target result of the chromatographic method (402) represents a desired behavior of the liquid chromatography device (200) and wherein the actual result of the chromatographic method (402) is obtained by executing the chromatographic method (402) and represents an actual behavior of the liquid chromatography device (200), and an adjusting unit (206) configured for adjusting a

Abstract: A method of calibrating a glucose sensor, which method comprises: (a) preparing a first glucose-containing calibration solution by combining water or an aqueous solution with alpha and beta glucose, the alpha and beta glucose being provided in solid form; (b) exposing a glucose sensor to said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output; (c) exposing the glucose sensor to one or more further calibration solutions having different glucose concentrations from each other and from said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output for the or each calibration solution; and (d) determining a calibration curve from the sensor output data collected in steps (b) and (c).

Abstract: A capacitive transducer for detecting the level of liquids and other materials has one or more antenna probes connected to an integrated chip normally associated with touch-screen displays. Each antenna probe operates independently and senses the level condition of wet or dry flowable materials such as water, oil, fuel, grain, and so on. The antenna probes may be formed as insulated conductive wires or conductive traces between layers of a stiff or flexible substrate, such as a PCB, with the substrate material serving as the insulating layers. Each antenna probe has a different length representing different depths of the material being measured to provide dynamic calibration of the level condition independent of the material type and ambient conditions.

Abstract: A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.

Abstract: A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: A sensor system issues measurement commands at a predetermined regular rate. If a measurement indicates that a gas of interest is present, then the sensor system is signaled to wake-up thereby pulsing a heater for the sensor element that improves the accuracy of measurements. Measurements of humidity, temperature and gas concentration are made. If the gas of interest is detected then the data is used to indicate a compensated gas measurement. The gas level is classified as to its hazard and an adaptive detection algorithm is used to set an activity mode. If the gas of interest is not detected, the adaptive detection algorithm is used to set a sleep mode that saves power. Measurement rates are kept constant while heater power is controlled to reduce power consumption. Measurement rates are changed to increase concentration sensitivity.

Abstract: A leak detector comprising a base appliance provided with a gas detector, a vacuum pump, and a control device. A sniffer probe is connected to the base appliance. A test leak device containing the supply of test gas is arranged in a separate sub-housing. The sub-housing also contains a temperature sensor, a processor, and a data memory. The processor corrects the measured temperature according to a sample, and modulates the light of a light barrier. The processor is connected to the control device in the base appliance by a data cable.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a dynamic pressure sensor includes a power/control box and a portable calibration head disposed in electrical communication with the power/control box. The portable calibration head may include a calibration head housing having a housing opening and a speaker provided in the calibration head housing and communicating with the housing opening. The power/control box may be configured to induce emission of an acoustic calibration signal from the speaker of the calibration head.

Abstract: Embodiments provide expanded ability to communicate calibration information to diagnostic systems for determining a characteristic of a test sample. An example system for determining a characteristic of a test sample includes: a test sensor for receiving a test sample; a sensor meter responsive to the test sensor, the sensor meter determining a characteristic of the test sample received on the test sensor; and a calibration element including electrical contacts readable by the sensor meter. The electrical contacts are configurable in one of a plurality of patterns that communicates, to the sensor meter, information relating to the determination of the characteristic of the test sample. The plurality of patterns include two or more of the electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from any other electrical contacts. The sensor meter determines at least partially the information from the electrical contacts by determining a combination of values corresponding to the isolated electrical contacts.

Abstract: A stirring determination method uses an analyzer in which a liquid contained in a vessel is stirred by an acoustic wave generated by an acoustic wave generating unit attached to the vessel, optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by stirring the liquid are measured, and the reaction solution is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The method includes measuring a temperature of the liquid in a position where the temperature of the liquid is different before and after the liquid is stirred; and determining whether the liquid is properly stirred based on a rate of increase in the measured temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a leak gas in a flushing device (10), comprising the following steps: the flushing device (10) is disposed on a part (201) that is to be tested; a flushing gas is conducted through the flushing device (10); and the leak gas is detected in the flushing gas that is discharged from the flushing device (10) with the aid of a detector device (30). In order to conduct the flushing gas through the flushing device (10), a predetermined main flushing gas flow (QH) is generated, and said main flow (QH) is separated into a system flow (QS) and a partial flow (QT) on a dividing device (40), the system flow (QS) being fed into the flushing device (10). Also disclosed is a leak testing apparatus (100) for detecting a leak gas in a flushing device (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical and bioanalytical sensors and sensor systems, particularly to systems incorporating a calibration device for sensors where the calibration device is comprised of an array of micromachined MEMS structures and materials for trapping and retaining calibrant or interferant materials until they are needed and released quantitatively using structure operatively associated with the array.

Abstract: A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.

Abstract: A testing device is provided which is able to distribute a liquid sample to a plurality of reaction sections by a simple operation without using a tip dispenser, and also achieves individually independent reaction systems without causing reaction sections to be in communication with each other due to a liquid sample. The testing device has a transparent molded body which includes: a storage chamber for injecting/holding a liquid sample; a reaction chamber for causing a reaction of the sample; a receiving chamber for sucking and receiving the sample, with the storage chamber and the reaction chamber being in communication with each other via a distributing flow path, and the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber being in communication with each other via a sucking flow path; and a liquid reservoir between the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber.

Abstract: The invention discloses an analytical strip reading apparatus and the analytical strip used therein. The analytical strip reading apparatus comprises a housing, a monitor, a delivering device, an optical reader, a reaction signal reader and a control module. The analytical strip comprises at least one optically readable pattern which comprises identification information of the analytical strip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A device for measuring/determining a physical quantity of a medium. The device comprises a sensor part and an electronic part, whereby at least the electronic part is arranged inside a housing and at least one fuel cell is provided which at least partially covers the energy demand of the device.

Abstract: A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon. The electrical contacts encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has an auto-calibration feature externally located thereon. The testing device is adapted to determine the analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements that communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device is adapted to determine the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. The encoded calibration information is determined without inserting the sensor container or the calibration label into the testing device.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system having a plurality of separation lanes is provided with an automatic calibration feature in which each lane is separately calibrated. For each lane, the calibration coefficients map a spectrum of received channel intensities onto values reflective of the relative likelihood of each of a plurality of dyes being present. Individual peaks, reflective of the influence of a single dye, are isolated from among the various sets of detected light intensity spectra, and these can be used to both detect the number of dye components present, and also to establish exemplary vectors for the calibration coefficients which may then be clustered and further processed to arrive at a calibration matrix for the system. The system thus permits one to use different dye sets to tag DNA nucleotides in samples which migrate in separate lanes, and also allows for in-situ calibration with new, previously unused dye sets.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a thin film layer formed on a top surface of a planar optical transmission medium, and a catalyst layer formed on a top surface of the thin film layer. A first interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the thin film layer. A substrate is joined to a bottom surface of the planar optical transmission medium so that a second interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the substrate. On entering a first end portion of the planer optical transmission medium, light from a light source is spread by an entrance section, and the spread light is transmitted inside the planar optical transmission medium to a second end portion by being reflected by the first and second interfaces alternately. Light exiting from the second end portion is transmitted to an optical sensor by an exit light-collecting section.

Abstract: A gas sensor including: a gas detection element; a metal shell extending in an axial direction; and a metal cylinder extending in an axial direction, wherein a leading end portion of the metal cylinder surrounds a base end portion of the metal shell and is fixed to the metal shell via a circumferential welded portion. The metal shell includes: Fe in an amount equal to or more than 50.0 mass %; C in an amount of 0.02 mass % to 0.15 mass %; Cr in an amount of 11.5 mass % to 18.0 mass %; and Nb in an amount equal to or more than twice amount of C in mass %.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: Methods of auto-calibrating a meter are disclosed. In one aspect, the method can include determining a set of calibration information applicable to a sensor and storing the calibration information onto a tag element associated with a sensor dispenser. The tag element can be placed into communication with a reader element that is associated with a meter and which is configured to receive the calibration information so as to allow the meter to use the calibration information in a calibration procedure. Various aspects of a system for auto-calibrating a meter are also disclosed.